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Don't Delay, File Your PACT Act Claim Today!
Signed into law on August 10, 2022, the PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes and other hazards while fighting for our country. Veterans and survivors must file a claim within one year of the bill's enactment – by August 10, 2023 – to preserve this effective date. If Veterans file their PACT Act claim after August 10, 2023, their effective date for payment will be the date upon which their claim was filed, rather than the date the law was enacted.
The VA is committed to ensuring all Veterans and their family members receive the benefits and care they have earned. Family members or dependents of deceased Veterans may qualify for various VA benefits.
Next steps for Veterans and dependents:
- Apply now for PACT Act benefits by filing a claim.
- If you have not yet enrolled in VA for health care, learn how to apply.
Scan the QR code above to learn more about how to file a claim.
Learn more: Watch PACT ACT OVERVIEW Video, visit VA.Gov/PACT or call 1-800-MyVA411.
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Veterans Town Hall
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 | 2:00pm-3:00pm
Attend In Person: Erie VA Medical Center | 2nd Floor | Conference Room 2A-2C | 135 East 38th St, Erie PA 16504-1559
Attend Virtually: Join Online
Attend by Phone (audio only): 872-701-0185, 468421125# | Phone Conference ID: 272 915 044 957
Event: Veterans, caregivers, and family members are invited to meet with John A. Gennaro, Executive Director-Erie VA Medical Center, and the executive leadership team as they share the latest Erie VAMC updates. In addition, the leadership team will be joined by Jennifer Vandermolen, Veterans Benefits Administration-Pittsburgh Regional Office Director.
Crawford County Veteran Resource Fair
Date and Time: July 31, 2023 | Noon -4 p.m.
Location: 900 Water Street, Meadville, PA 16635
Event Details: Congressman Mike Kelly and Crawford County Veterans Services are sponsoring this event which will connect Veterans and their families with organizations that provide Veteran services in northwestern PA. A representative from the Pittsburgh VBA Regional Office will be available to answer questions and provide resources about VA benefits and services.
Point of Contact: Tony Digiacomo, 814.333.7413; adigiacomo@co.crawford.pa.us
Veterans Breakfast Club Happy Hour Webinar
Date and Time: Every Monday at 7 p.m.
Event Details: Veterans share their stories and questions from a live online audience.
Visit https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/happyhour/ to access the live-streamed events.
PAServes: Transportation Assistance for Veterans
Do you need assistance getting to your scheduled examination(s) for your VA benefits? If so, PAServes Greater Pittsburgh may be able to help.
PAServes Greater Pittsburgh is the local branch of AmericaServes, the country’s first coordinated system of public, private, and non-profit organizations working together to serve Veterans, service members and their families.
Assistance with transportation is one of the many services provided by PAServes Greater Pittsburgh.
For more information, visit: https://pittsburgh.americaserves.org or call 1-844-857-8387
PA DMVA Homes Host Weekly Walk-In Hiring Events
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is offering walk-in interviews every Wednesday at five of their Veterans Homes throughout the commonwealth. Dubbed "Walk-In Wednesdays," the hiring events provide the public a convenient way to explore employment opportunities and possible receive an on-the-spot job offer. Hours vary per location.
For more information, visit:
Vetrepreneur Franchise Workshop
When: Thursday, July 6, 2023 | 12-1 pm (ET)
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Event Details: Hear from Veterans who own franchises and get the inside track on how they became their own boss. Attend the Franchising Bootcamp to learn the basics and benefits of franchising. If you like what you learn, schedule a 10-minute chat with a franchise coach to determine if franchising is right for you.
Registration: Vetrepreneur Franchise Workshop
G.I. Jobs Get Hired Workshop
When: Thursday, July 13, 2023 | 12-1 pm (ET)
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Event Details: Corporate recruiters and hiring managers reveal secrets you can leverage at job fairs. Don't miss this one-hour Zoom event with Veteran- and military spouse-seeking recruiters. Bring your questions!
Registration: GI Jobs Get Hired Workshop
Pittsburgh VBA Regional Office Operating Status
The Pittsburgh VBA RO is open for services 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment for in person or virtual services:
Veterans and stakeholders may now also utilize the new, online Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) self-service portal to schedule virtual or in-person appointments with your VA Regional Office. You can use the camera on your smartphone to capture the QR code above to schedule an appointment.
Veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim by visiting www.va.gov. Veterans are also encouraged to continue with their appointed Veterans Service Officers.
To learn more about opportunities to meet with a VA representative in a community near you, visit our website for the full listing of upcoming and recurring outreach opportunities:
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Veteran Good News Stories
We want to hear your VA good news stories! Whether you're a Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) participant who found a new career path, a Veteran who applied for and received care and benefits as a result of the PACT Act, or a long time recipient of service-connected compensation who had a great experience with VA, we want to hear from you! These stories may be used by VA Public Affairs in speeches, presentations, and other related media to showcase to Veterans and survivors the care and benefits available to them, and encourage them to apply now.
Please take a moment to provide your contact information through the link below and a representative from the Pittsburgh VA Regional Office will contact you to share your story.
Upcoming Events
Visit the link below to view the full list of virtual VA outreach events:
Help Us Serve You!
If you are interested in having a VA representative from the Pittsburgh RO attend an upcoming virtual event, participate in a virtual speaking engagement, or provide a benefits briefing to your team, please let us know!
VA Welcome Kit
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
The Veterans Benefits Guide highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning Service members and their families. |
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If you’re a Veteran having thoughts of suicide or concerned about one, reach 24/7 crisis support through the new Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) number: Dial 988, then Press 1.
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The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate.
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